Disconnecting switch



May 18,1926. f 1,584,732

C. CHRISTENSEN DISCONNECTING SWITCH May 18 1926.

' C. CHRSTENSEN DIscoNNEcTING SWITCH l5 Sheets-Shet 2 Filed June 21 Wam/MW i@ .mi

May 18 1926. 1,584,732

C. CHRISTENSEN JKDISCONNECTING SWITCH F'il`ed June 21 1923 l5 Sheets-Shet 5 lime/fof fm ,t

C. CHRISTENSEN DISGQNNECTING SWITCH yIv1w'1s,.1926. 1,584,732

'May 18,1926. 1,584,732

c. cHRlsTENsEN l DISGONNEGTING SWITCH Filed June 21, 192s 15 sheets-smet s May -18 1926.

C. CHRISTENSEN DISCONNECTING SWITCH Filed June 21 1923 l15- 'sheets-sht s May 1S 31926, 1,584,732 A C. CHRISTENSEN I DISGONNEGTING swITcH Filed June 21.71925 15 sgeets-she-et 7 i? /J f Y May 1s ,1926. 584,732

` C. CHRISTENSEN DISCONNEGTING SWITCH Filed June 21, 1923 15 Sheets-Sheet 9 May 18,1926. 1,584,732

C. CHRISTENSEN DISCONNECTING SWITCH Filed June 2l, 1925 '15 Sheets-Shet l0 N m m w mamy/@wf May 18 1926.

C. CHRISTENSEN DSCONNECTING SWITCH Filed June 2l, 1923 l5 Sheets-Shet 11 May 1s [1926. 1,584,732

' C. CHRISTENSEN DISCONNECTNG SWITCH Filed June 2l, 1925 l5 Sheets-Shet 12 lHHIlII! ll lllllll am y f Y' lll May 18 1926. 1,584,732

C. CHRISTENSEN DISCONNECTING SWITCH Filed June 2l 1923 15 Sheets-Shet 14 May 1s, 192e. 1,584,732

' C. CHRISTENSEN DISCONNECTING SWITCH f I] @az75 amgp` u Y 1% (i Patented May 18, 1926.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

CHRISTEN CHRISTENSEN, OF CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, ASSIGNOR T0 ELECTRICAL ENGI- NEERS EQUIPMENT CO., OF CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, A CORPORATION OF ILLINOIS.

DISCONNECTIN'G SWITCH.

Application mea June 21, 192s. serial No. 646,756.

My invention relates to disconnectin switches.

In power house and sub-station transmission installations the disconnecting switch is employed for sectionalizing main and branch lines, for disconnecting branch circuits or a section or number of sections of a main or branch line, also for opening the transmission line where it enters the station to disconnect station apparatus and permit repairs and adjustment Without danger of injury from the line potential.

While the particular devices which I shall describe hereinafter, in connection with the drawings are especially adapted for indoor service and are shown and described in that connection, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the particular embodiments shown. The invention may be embodied in switches for arrangement outside the power house or sub-station as for example upon atower or pole adjacent the power house or sub-station or upon a frame on top of the station or other support.

An obj ect of m invention is the provision of a positive an quick opening switch of novel, simple, inexpensive and rugged construction.

Another object is the provision of novel switch operating mechanism for imparting a powerful initial force to the blade or switch member to break contact with the terminal or terminals as the case may be and thereafter an increased velocity to secure quick movement of the blade or switch member to full open position.

This aspect of the invention which is particularly useful and advantageous where considerable current must be carried and particularly where relatively high tension current is involved in securing positive opening and minimizing arcing and burnin of the blades and terminals is accomplishe by providing a switch blade or member the effective length of which decreases as the blade is moved toward open position and an operating arm or member, the effective length of which increases as it is operated to move the blade to open position.

Another object is the provision of a switch 1 adapted to be installed and operated where a limited amount of room or space is available for mounting and operating the switch.

Another object is the provision of a novel and improved switch adapted for operation 1n gangs or groups with a minimum number of parts and connections and within a minimum space. Y

Another object is the provision of a switch adapted, when used in groups or gangs, for side by side mounting in alignment with conductors controlled thereby and without an objectionable reduction in thedistances between live parts in different lines or different phases.

Another object is the provision of improved adjusting means between the switch operating mechanism and the switch member or switch members as the ease may be.

Another object is the provision of an improved switch adapted for gang or group arrangement in switch cells or compartments and a novel operating mechanism for use in connection with such an arrangement.

I have made a number of improvements with reference to the connections between the` operating mechanism and the Switch member or members and with reference to the mounting of the operating mechanism with respect to the switch member and the switch mounting and also with reference to the application to the switch member or members of the contact breaking and switch opening force.

To-apprise those skilled in the art with the construction and operation of my present invention, I shall now describe several embodiments of the invention in connection with the accompanying drawings which form a part of the present specification.

In the drawings:

Figure -1 is a side elevational view of one.

embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 2 is a reduced more or less diagrammaticvfront elevation of the same-.-

Fig. 3 is an enlarged top plan view of the embodiment shown in Figures 1 and 2.

suy

- Fig. 4 is a side elevational view of another embodiment.

Fig. 5 is a front elevational view of the embodiment shown in Figure 4.

Fig. 6 is a side elevational View of another embodiment.

Fig. 7 is a front elevational viewof the embodiment shown in Fig. 6.

Fig. 8 is a side elevational view of another embodiment.

Fig. 9 is a rear elevational view of the embodiment shown in Figure 8.

Fig. 10 is a side elevational view partially in section of another embodiment.

Fig. 11 is a front elevational view of the embodiment shown in Figure l0.

Fig. 12 is an enlarged front view of the mounting base of the device shown in Figures lO and 11 with the supporting insulators, terminals, switch member or blade, and horizontal connecting link removed.

Fig. 13 is a side elevational view of another embodiment.

Fig. 14 is a front view of the embodiment shown in Figure 13.

Fig. 15 is a side elevational view of another embodiment.

Fig. 16 is a horizontal section on line 16-16 of Fig. 15 showing the connection from the switch operating shaft in elevation.

Fig. 17 is horizontal sectional view through an arrangement of switch cells or compartments showing switches and switch operating means embodying my present invention in connection therewith and;

Fig. 18 is a vertical sectional view on line 18-18 of Fig. 17.

The switch illustrated in Figures 1, 2 and 3 is of the three phase gang type of vertical switch, and comprises six switch units, three of said units for example the upper three units 5-5-5 being adapted for connection to one three phase circuit and the other or lower three units 6-6-6 being in such case adapted for connection to a second three `phase circuit. Switch units 5 and 6 are mounted on a vertical wall 7 which may be of concrete, brick, asbestos or any other suitable or preferred material such as usual in power house and substation construction. Upper units 5 are :arranged in horizontal ahgnment and lower units 6 are arranged in horizontal alignment parallel to units 5. As shown in Fig. 2 the upper and lower units 5 and 6 are staggered relative each other.

Referring to the side elevation of Fig. 1 where an upper and lower unit is shown more in detail, it will be seen that each upper, unit comprises a lower hinge terminal 8 and an vupper contact terminal 9, adapted to bev cg'nnectedby 'a blade ormovable switch member. 10. Inthe embodiment t illustrated, each of.,the-terminals'-and t9.',consists`v of a pair@ eff tongues: or terminal and eachv 'I milde 10. QOUPFSGJVQGS'Q Parallel blades (Fig. 3) adapted for embracing the tongues or terminal lugs of the upper contact termi- ,nals 9 and pivoted on the tongues or terminal lugs of lower hinge terminals 8 by pivot bolts 12, suitable spring washers being preferably provided to resiliently press the` blades into contact with the sides of the terminals. It will -be understood that this con struction is merely exemplary and that the switch blade may be of the trussed or anyr other suitable or preferred type and other forms and arrangement of terminals may be employed. Each lower switch unit comprises similar upper hinge terminals 8, lower contact terminals 9 and blade or pivoted switch members 10.

The bases of switch terminals 8 and 9 are mounted on insulator clamps or fittings 14 which fittings are in turn mounted on thc outer ends of supporting insulators 15. The inner ends of insulators 15 are mounted through suitable fittings 16 upon mounting bases or panels 17 which are in turn suitably mounted upon the face of wall 7. Terminals 8 of each upper switch unit 5 are electrically connected into the circuit or phase in which the unit is arranged by leading current carrying bars, busses or leads 18 shown as of circular cross section through insulating bushings 19 mounted in wall 7 and electrically and mechanically connecting said leads 18 to terminal lugs projecting from the bases of terminals 8 as shown diagrammatically in Fig. 1. Connection between the terminal lugs and leads may be had for example by Slotting the lugs and securing the leads in the slotted portions of the lugs. Terminals 9 of each upper un'it 5 are connected into the circuit by leading conductors 2O through insulating bushings 19 in the top wall or horizontal partition 21 and similarly connecting them to lugs projecting from the bases of terminal 9. Lower units 6 are similarly connected into the circuits or phases in which they are arranged through conductors or leads 22 and 23 lead in through vertical wall 7 and bottom wall or iloor 24.

The mechanism for operating the switch units comprises a horizontal shaft 25 rotatably journaled in bearing blocks 26, which blocks 26 are adjustably mounted in supporting channels 27 at the outer ends of supporting arms or brackets 28 mounted at their inner ends upon wall 7 and projecting therefrom. Each of the blades or pivoted switch member 10 of upper and lower units 5 and 6 is connected to operating shaft 25 through an insulating operating link 30. These links 30 each comprise a rod or length of suitable insulation secured at one end in a errule or Cap 31 and at its opposite end in the socket portion of a ferrule or cap 32. Fcrrulcs 3l have projecting lugs bifurcatcd as show n in Fig. 2 and the outer ends of arms=34 iixedupon shaft 25 for rotatlon pins as shown in Fig. 3. The portions of links 38 through which pins 41 loosely extend have bifurcated hub or sleeve portions 42 which engage between the projecting arms of ferrules 32 and between said arms and links 40 and properly space and position links 38 and 40 and the. arms of ferrule 32 on pin`41 and prevent binding at that point.

Links 40 are spaced within their lengths by spacing post 43 and at their inner or wall ends said links 40 are pivoted between lugs 45 projecting from base or panel 17 upon pins 46 which pins may be held in place by cotter pins as shown or otherwise as desired. The inner ends of relatively short links 38 are pivotally connected through pins 48 to the free ends ofblades or switch members 10 beyond contact terminals 9.

Operating shaft 25 extends through a vertical wall or partition 50 substantially normal to wall 7 and at its outer end said shaft 25 carries an operating arm 51 fixed thereon. Arm 51 has pivotal connection at 52 with an operating rod 53 which rod 53 extends down to a point conveniently accessible from floor 24. At this point operating rod 53 .has pivotal connection through a recurved link 54 with an operating lever 55. Link 54 is pivotally connected through a pivot pin y 56 with a lug projecting from operating lever 55. Operating lever 55 is pivotally supported on a pin 57 mounted in a forked bracket 58 which bracket is in turn`mounted or attached to wall 50 asAby means of a bracket. 58. When operating handle 55 is in the upper position illustrated, pivotal connection 56 vis in the vertical plane of pivot 57 or is thrown past said plane whereby the -operating mechanism is lockedagainst accidental opening. In operating lever 55 the same is thrown or swung downward through approximately '18() degrees to` the position `shown in dotted lines. By this motion pivot 56 is carried into or past the vertical plane of pivot 57 below said pivot'so as to again lock the operating mechanism in its lower position and the switch units in their open position as will be hereinafter apparent.

With the switch units closed as shown the operation of this embodiment of the invention is as follows: Operating handle orlever 55 is thrown vinto dotted line position Fig. 1). Operating rod 53 is thereby drawn downwardly straighten out by the continued and common operating shaft 25 is revolved in a counter clockwise direction (Fig. 1). Rotation of arms 34 with shaft 25 draws operating links 30 toward their dotted line positions. Links 38 and lll-form inverted toggle connections betweenv operating links 30 and switch blades or members 10. Such connectionsiare exceptionally strong mechanically and result in the application of an exceptionally strong initial force to the free ends of blades 10 to break contact with terminals 9 and thereafter in an application of increased velocity to said blades to secure quick movement of same to their full open positions, This powerful initial force is the result of the relatively great movement of operating links 30 in securing relative slight movement of blades 10. The multiplying action or increased velocity results from the action of the inverted toggle in tending to motion of pivots 41.

The powerful initial force overcomes static resistance of the switch and thereby insures positive breaking of contact and the following accelerating motionl moves the blades to full open position quickly so that a quick break of the arcyis assure-d. The arrangement of pivots 41 permits a relatively sharp angle of operating links 30 with respect to the switch blade so that' the coinmon operating shaft 25 need not be arranged very far forward of the switch blades. The

result is a compact arrangement that may amount of space especially with respect to the spaceforward ofthe switch blades and forward of the vertical wall supporting the switching apparatus.

The adjustable mounting of bearing blocks 26 already referred to comprises a slidable mountingof said blocks in channel supports 27 at the outer ends of brackets 28 between set screws 60 through which set screws 60 the positions of blocks 26 may be adjusted forwardly or rearwardly in channel supports 27 as desired. This adjustment permits adjustment o-f the operating shaft 25 toward or from wall 7 and thereby the operating mechanism without adjusting the separate connections with the switch blades. The point of rotation of shaft 25 at which the switch units are opened and closed may be adjusted by adjusting the posit-ion of shaft 25 in this manner and play between shaft 25 and blades 10 may be eliminated or adjusted as desired without adjusting the various operating links themselves or `the pivotal connections therebetween. j

' While the illust-ration and description of Figures 1, 2 and 3 and certain other embodiments to be hereinafter described relates to three phase systems, the invention is equally as applicable to a single or any other number of phases. In the foregoing embodiment rows of switch units 67 and 68. As in the embodiment shown in Figures 1, 2 and 3 the upper and lower switch units 67 and 68 which are mount-ed on vertical wall 69 are staggered relative each other, upper units 67 being arrangedin horizontal alignment and lower units 68 arranged in horizontal alignment parallel to units 67.

ln this case each switch unit comprises a lower h-inge terminal 70 and an upper contact terminal 71 adapted to be connected by ablade or movable switch member 72. Each of the terminals 70 and 71 consists of a tongue. or terminal lug and each blade comprises a pair of parallel blades for embracing the terminal lugs of the contact terminals and pivoted on the tongues or lugs of hinge terminals 70 by pivot bolts 73, suitable spring washers being provided to resiliently press the blades into contact with the sides of the terminals. As before, supporting insulators 74 are mounted at their inner ends upon the face of wall 69 and project therefrom. The outer ends of insulators 74 are provided with fittings 75 upon which terminals 70 and 71 are suitably mounted. Terminals 70 and 71 are electrically connected into the circuits or phases in which the respective units are arranged through conductors or leads 76.

The horizontal switch operating shafts 65 and 66 are rotatably journaled in bearing blocks 78 -which blocks 78 are as before. adjustably mounted in supporting channels 79 at the outer ends of supporting arms or brackets 80 between set screws 82 through which said blocks are adjusted forwardly or rearwardly through channels 79 as desired. Supporting arms or brackets 80 are suitably mounted at their inner ends upon wall 69 and project therefrom.

Each of the blades or pivoted switch niembers 72 of upper switch units 67 is connected to operating shaft 65 through operating or connecting links 84 and 85. Links 84 are fixed at one end upon shaft 65 for rotation therewith and at their opposite ends said links 84 have pivotal connection at 86 with links 85. The opposite ends of links 85 are pivot-ally connected at 87 with the free. ends of blades 72 outwardly beyond Contact. terminals 71. The blades 72 of the lower switch units are similarly connected to shaft 66 through links 88 fixed upon said shaft 66 for rotation therewith and having pivotal connection at 89 with links 90 which links 90 are in turn pivotally connected at 91 with blades 72l outwardly beyond contact terminals 71.

Links 84-85 and 88-90 form straight or substantially 180 degree toggle connections between shafts 65 and 66 and the switch blades 72. These connections impart a strong initial opening force to blades 72 upon initial rotation of shafts 65-66 in a clockwise direction 'to secure a positive breaking of contact and thereafter an increased velocity to secure quick movement of the blades to full open position. This powerful initial force is as before the result of the relatively slight movement of blades 7 2 which accompanies relatively great initial rotation of shafts 65 and 66. As the pivot ends 86-89 of arms 84-88 move toward a vertical plane through the axis of shaft 65-66, the ratio of the amount of movement of blades 72 to the amount of rotation of shafts 66-67increases. This results in a multiplying action or increased velocity with a resulting quick movement of the blades to full open positions.

Operation shafts 65 and 66 extend through a vertical wall or partition 92 shown in Fig. 5 but omitted in Fig. 4. Said wall or partition 92 is positioned substantially normal to wall or partition 69. At their outer ends shafts 65 and 66 carry operating arms 93 and 94 fixed thereon. Arm 93 has pivotal connection at 95 with the upper end of a relatively long operating rod 96. Arm 94 has pivotal connection at 97 with the upper end of a relatively short operating rod 98. The lower ends of rods 96 and 98 are pivotally connected through a pin 99 with a pair of lugs 100 projecting from an operating lever 101. Operating lever 101 is pivotally supported on a pin 102 mounted in a bracket. 103 which bracket 103 is mounted through an extension 104 upon wall 69. As explained in connection with operating handle 55 when operating handle 101 is in the upper position illustrated, pivotal connections 99 are in the vertical plane of pivot 102 or are swung past said plane whereby the operating mechanism is locked against accidental opening. In operating lever 101 the saine is thrown or swung downward through approximately 180 degrees to the position shown in dotted lines. By this motion, pivot pin 99 is carried into or past the vertical plane of pivot 102 below said pivot so as to again lock 'the operating mechanism in its lower position and the switch units in their open position.

The operating of this embodiment of the invention is as follows:

lVith the switch units closed and the operating mechanism in the position shown, operating handle lever 101 is thrown into dotted line position. Operating rods 96 and 98 are thereby drawn downwardly and operating shafts and 66 are revolved or rotated in clockwise direction (Fig. 4). Rotation of arms 84 and 88 with shafts 65 and 66 draws or pulls blades 72 toward open position through links and 90, first with an exceptionally strong force to break contact and thereafter at increased velocity to secure quick movement of the blades to full open position.

This embodiment of the invention is equally as applicable to a single or any other number of phases, and as before while the various units are illustrated and described as openin and closing together it is to be understoo that the operating mechanism -m'ay be applied to open one set of switch units and close another and vice versa.

As before, the adjustable mounting of bearing blocks 78 in supporting journals 79 between set screws 82 permits adjustment of the points in the rotation of shafts 65 and 66 at which the switch units are opened and closed and also permits eliminating entirely or independently adjusting as desired any play between either of shafts 65 or 66 and blades 72 without adjusting the various operating links themselves or the pivotal connections therebetween.

The embodiment shown in Figures 6 and 7 is especially suited for use where the amount of space is even more limited or restricted especially the space forward of the supporting wall upon which the switch units are mounted. In this case upper switch units are again shown as mounted in a horizontal row and lower units 111 mounted in a parallel horizontal row and staggered relative said first units. Each of the switch units comprises a hinge terminal 112 and a contact terminal 113 adapted to be connected by a switch blade 114 which comprises two parallel blades embracin the terminal lugs and pivoted upon the inge terminal by pivots 115. The usual sprin washers resiliently press the two switc blades of each unit into contact with the terminals. Terminals 112 and 113 of each unit are connected into the respective circuits or phases through suitable conductors, leads or busses 116.

The bases of terminals 112 and 113 are mounted on insulator fittings 118 on the outer ends of supporting insulators 120. The inner ends of insulators 120 are supported` upon mounting bases 7121 which mounting bases 121 are in turn suitably mounted upon vertical wall or partition 122.

Mounting bases 121 are of hollow formation and the horizontal switch operating shafts 123 and 124 extend through these bases 121 and are rotatably journaled in suitable bearings associated therewith. Within each base 121 each of the shafts 123 and 124;

carries an arm 125 fixed on the shaft for rotation therewith and the opposite ends of each of said arm 125 has pivotal connection at 126 with forwardly extending switch operating links 127. The forward end 0f 70,

each link 127 extends between the parallel blade members ofblades 114 and are pivotally connected at 128 therewith as through suitable bolts as shown.

Operating shafts 123 and 124 extend 75 through a vertical wall or partition 130 substantially normal to wall or partition 122 and at their outer ends each of said shafts carries an operating arm 131 fixed thereon for rotation therewith. Arms 131 have 80 pivotal connection at 135 with the upper ends of operating rods 136, the lower ends of which rods 136 are pivotally connected through a pin 137 with lugs 138 projecting from an operating lever 140. As before, 85 lever 140 is pivoted on a pin 141 mounted in a bracket 142 which bracket is in turn mounted upon wall 122, and as before pin 137 is in the vertical plane of pivot 141 or is thrown past said plane when lever 140 is 90 thrown into its lower position to open the switch as well as when said lever is in its upper position and the switch closed as shown. The switch units and operating mechanism are thereby locked in each posi- 95 tion.

From the foregoing it is now apparent that when lever 140 is swung into dotted line position (Fig. 6) operating rods 136 are drawn downwardly and shafts 123. and 100` 124 are revolvedin a counter clockwisedirection. The v accompanying rotation of arms 125 moves operating links 127 outwardly through openings 145 in the front walls of bases 121 and forces blades 114 into open 105 position about theirl pivots 115. The ar rangement of the operating mechanism between the supporting wall and the switch blades eliminates all mechanism outwardly beyond said blades and minimizes the 11o amount of space required to mount and operate the switch. As in the embodiments already described and the embodiments to be hereinafter described units may be employed separately or in group, either unit 115 may be inverted without change, or thle operating mechanism may be applied to open one set of switch units and close the other.

The embodiment illustrated in Figures 8 120 and 9 is especially ada ted for use where `the space forward of t e su porting wall is limited or restricted an space on the other side of said wall 150 as in the next or adjacent room is available for the operatin mechanism. In this case a group or gang o three switch units is shown. The novel asv ects of this embodiment may be embodied 1n a system employing a single or any other number of switch units. ythis case mount- 13p 

